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Suzuki Baleno: a smart hybrid that puts technology in the driving seat

With their most aerodynamic hatchback yet Suzuki has let Baleno take the lead

Enjoyable to drive, a powerful engine, nifty, practical and cheap to run? If that is the kind of car you are after, the new Suzuki Baleno is the one for you. Suzuki have added this new hatchback to their small car range with attractive features, great space, a good price and the real gem in the crown of this car is the powerful, fuel efficient, economical engine.

The Baleno, which hit Irish roads this Spring, has a newly developed one-litre “Boosterjet” direct injection turbo engine that provides high torque output and break horse power with the new SHVS or “Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki” with a 1.2 dual jet engine, both of which delivers fantastic fuel efficiency with 64 miles per gallon.

The engine’s star power lies in in this “Boosterjet” direct-injection engine which is made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger.

The SHVS is a mild hybrid system by Suzuki that uses an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) to assist the engine during acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking, which it does more efficiently than systems that use conventional alternators.

This is their most aerodynamic hatchback design to date. It also has low CO2 emissions and the car is designed to save weight without compromising body rigidity.

Inside the car, there is seating for five people with generous shoulder room in the front and generous legroom in the back, it is undoubtedly one of the best superminis in its class.

Interior features include advanced multi-information colour display, active cruise control with speed limiter as an option, and an option for a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio compatible with Apple CarPlay. The standard features are exceptional and include air conditioning, a large, high-definition colour LCD display and Sat nav.

The car has a new generation platform with increased rigidity and reduced weight, enhanced fuel efficiency, handling and stability yet all the while it still achieves high levels of safety and NVH performance. This new platform sees body rigidity enhanced by around 10 per cent and, due to its continuous skeletal structure that creates a smooth form, the total vehicle weight has been reduced by approximately 15 per cent.

The Baleno not only achieves spacious passenger comfort, but also best-in-class luggage space. There is a very spacious boot and the luggage space is a generous 355 litres, making the Baleno the largest among B-segment hatchbacks according to a Suzuki survey. Quite an achievement within an overall body length of less than four metres in this new-generation platform that enables efficient use of space plus a more-compact engine design.

Safety and security features include Radar Brake Support (RBS) and six SRS airbags.

The exterior has a sporty profile with LED lamps and wraparound windows, there are nine body colours to choose from, outer weather strips and chrome door handles and a thin roof-spoiler integrated into the body lines. There is a also the feature of the speed limiter that prevents the vehicle from exceeding the maximum.

Suzuki is known for reliability and strong resale value but this Baleno Boosterjet Engine brings even more performance with superb fuel consumption.

The BoosterJet model starts at €17,995 which is considerable value for money when you consider the standard extra features like air condition, Sat-nav and DAB radio. The hybrid is priced at €20,000. It is easily one of the finest, most accommodating, fuel efficient superminis available in Ireland at the moment and an ideal compact family car.